Mallard's Landing in Columbus, OH

Pros

• Paloma and the office staff are amazing and very helpful.
• The maintenance team fixed issues quickly and did a terrific job, including the leak.
• The complex has improved significantly under new management and now has an attentive, friendly staff.
• Paloma is kind, patient, and consistently solves problems professionally.
• The apartments offer nice layouts and townhomes in a convenient location.
• The front office looks well-maintained and better than the other properties.
• The staff is exceptional, friendly, and responsive to residents' needs.

Cons

• The complex is described as a nasty dump where repairs are slow or nonexistent.
• Roaches and now rats are present in the apartments.
• Move-in conditions were not as promised, with mold, non-working appliances, and unfinished cabinets.
• Management is understaffed and unhelpful, and the front office is often closed.
• The exterior is dirty and unkept, with dog waste and muddy grounds.
• Residents have been charged late fees while the office was closed and unavailable.
• Some repairs involve using parts from other units, leading to worse problems.
• The overall experience is very negative, with many saying it’s not worth moving there.
• One reviewer warns to avoid the place and find a better option.

Review

Mallard’s Landing in Columbus is best suited for budget-conscious renters who want spacious, townhouse-style living and a neighborhood feel, provided tolerance for uneven upkeep and aging interiors exists. The price point can be compelling for those comparing rents in the area, but this is not a polished, move-in-ready property. Maintenance and management consistency have long been the property’s Achilles heel, and that reality persists in the reviews. For tenants who are flexible and pragmatic, a reasonably proactive on-site team can translate into real improvements when the right staff is available and responsive. When the office operates smoothly and service requests move through promptly, daily life can be manageable and even satisfying. On the other hand, when the office is understaffed or hard to reach, problems linger and ordinary maintenance can feel Sisyphean. The best-case takeaway is that strong management can unlock real value here, but that depends on who is in the office.

Alternatives should be strongly considered for families with infants or anyone who demands clean, pest-free, consistently repaired living spaces. The reviews show recurring issues: pests in units, mold in some apartments, and several non-working essential appliances. Move-in readiness has been inconsistent, with units arriving not as advertised and sometimes lacking basic finishes or functioning systems. Office hours and responsiveness vary widely, and a number of residents report delays in addressing repairs. External conditions, unkept grounds, trash, and parking challenges, also color daily life. In short, this property can deliver value when maintenance is empowered and staffing is stable, but the risk of persistent maintenance gaps and misrepresentation at move-in makes it a poor fit for someone who cannot tolerate ongoing hassles.

On the upside, several residents describe strong, customer-focused staff when they can access them, with names like Paloma frequently singled out for attentive service. Maintenance personnel are praised when they arrive, often delivering fixes quickly and with clear professionalism. A subset of residents notes meaningful improvements after management changes, including longer office hours and better communication. Some units themselves offer attractive layouts and a sense of space at a reasonable price, reinforcing the appeal of a well-run property with thoughtful design. These positives show what Mallard’s Landing can be when the team is functioning at capacity: a responsive, courteous operation that makes the living experience better and more predictable. The contrast between good and bad experiences hinges on staffing levels and the consistency of the maintenance crew.

Yet the overall impression remains unsettled due to recurring, entrenched problems. The same themes appear again and again: aging interiors, drafty apartments, mold concerns, and leaks that require persistent chasing for repairs. Some long-simmering issues, water intrusion from winter conditions and heavy snowmelt, have created a noticeable impression of ongoing maintenance strain. Reviews describe slow or incomplete fix-ups and a lack of clear escalation paths, which frustrates residents and complicates budgeting. The volatility is real: one month can bring a solid fix and good communication, the next a missed appointment or unanswered call. A few tenants speak highly of new leadership, but others voice frustration over perceived incompetence or rude service. In short, the operational mix is real and uneven: good work is possible, but it is not reliably delivered across the property.

For families evaluating this community, a practical approach is essential. A focused due-diligence process should include scheduling a current on-site tour, inspecting a sample unit, and testing basic systems, stove, dishwasher, dryer, plumbing, and electrical, before signing. Insist on a clear, written plan for repairs and a realistic timeline, and request recent maintenance logs to gauge response times. Confirm parking allocations and exterior upkeep, since those visible factors impact day-to-day safety and convenience. Ask for direct contact with a manager or supervisor to resolve future issues, and obtain up-to-date references from current residents to verify whether the promised improvements are sustained at the unit level. Finally, set explicit expectations about handling moisture problems and about the availability of updated units, so the lease doesn’t commit to yesterday’s condition.

Bottom line: Mallard’s Landing offers a price-sensitive option with potential upside when a capable, resident-focused management team is on site and maintenance is prioritized. It is not the right choice for buyers who demand immediate, flawless upkeep, pest-free interiors, or consistently proactive management across every building and unit. Those who can tolerate variability, stay engaged, and push for accountability may discover measurable value in a well-timed repair, a better-maintained unit, or a faster response to a service request. For families or individuals who require reliable, clean, and well-maintained living environments, exploring alternatives is prudent. Compare leases and tours across communities with robust maintenance track records and clear escalation processes. If Mallard’s Landing is pursued, anchor decisions to a concrete move-in checklist, a binding service agreement, and a direct line to a dependable manager. With careful selection and proactive engagement, the property can deliver agreeable living; without that discipline, it risks the persistent disappointments echoed in many reviews.

This area of Columbus, Ohio offers a variety of amenities and services that may be appealing to seniors looking for a convenient and vibrant community. Within a short distance, there are several pharmacies, restaurants offering a range of dining options, parks for outdoor recreation, hospitals for medical care, cafes for social gatherings, physicians' offices for healthcare needs, theaters for entertainment, and places of worship for spiritual enrichment. The proximity of these establishments can provide easy access to essential services and opportunities for social engagement. Additionally, the diverse range of dining options and recreational facilities cater to various interests and preferences. Overall, this neighborhood offers a well-rounded environment with convenience and accessibility in mind.

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.3 miles)
• Marc's Stores (2.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.5 miles)

Restaurants

• Columbus Square Bowling Palace (0.8 miles)
• Golden Phoenix Restaurant (1.1 miles)
• The Volleypark (1.4 miles)
• Bob Evans (2.4 miles)
• Chipotle Mexican Grill (2.6 miles)
• McDonald's (2.6 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (2.6 miles)

Parks

• Sharon Woods Metro Park (2.2 miles)
• Metzger Park (3.5 miles)
• Whetstone Park / Park of Roses (4.3 miles)
• Antrim Park (4.4 miles)
• Flint Park (4.5 miles)

Hospitals

• Mount Carmel St Ann's OBGYN Clinic (2.5 miles)
• Ohio Health (5.1 miles)

Cafes

• Panera Bread (2.7 miles)
• Northstar Cafe (2.9 miles)
• Crimson Cup (3.9 miles)
• Starbucks (4.6 miles)
• Starbucks (4.6 miles)
• Panera Bread (4.9 miles)

Physicians

• Worthington Family Physicians (2.8 miles)
• Center for Surgical Dermatology & Dermatology Associates (4.1 miles)
• Premier Women's Health (4.2 miles)
• Rgi Dr James (4.3 miles)
• PrimeMD - Westerville Primary Care Walk-ins (4.4 miles)
• Maureen Ann Stark (4.5 miles)
• Central Ohio Primary Care (4.5 miles)

Theaters

• Dreamscape at AMC Easton Town Center (2.8 miles)

Places of Worship

• Faith Ministries Church (3.7 miles)
• Westerville Christian Church (3.8 miles)
• Holy Name Church (5.5 miles)